PORT ANGELES – A woman accused of trying to kill herself and her 10-year-old daughter with prescription drugs mixed in grape juice on Christmas Day was charged Thursday with attempted murder.
Bail for Rhonda L. Marchi, 41, of Port Angeles was set at $1 million during her first appearance in Clallam County Superior Court.
The attempted murder charge is in the first degree with premeditation.
Deputy Prosecutor Carol Case called the crime “heinous, egregious and unconscionable.”
“It is imperative that this defendant not have any access to even nonprescription drugs,” Case said.
Marchi told Superior Court Judge George Wood that the bail amount was “absolutely ridiculous” for someone without a criminal history.
“I’ve never been in trouble in my life,” she said.
She also denied that her actions were premeditated.
Wood said the allegations were serious enough to justify the high bail amount.
Family and friends of Marchi sitting in the courtroom for her hearing voiced support for her as she was led back to jail.
“We love you, Rhonda,” and, “We’re all here for you Rhonda,” they said.
